34th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 34th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), also known as the “Herkimer Regiment,” was an infantry regiment from New York that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Albany, New York, the regiment was mustered into U.S. service for two years on June 15, 1861. The regiment drew its companies primarily from Herkimer County, with additional companies from Steuben, Albany, Clinton, and Essex counties. The 34th New York served in the Eastern Theater and participated in several major campaigns and battles with the Army of the Potomac.

Organization & Service

The 34th New York Infantry was organized at Albany and mustered in on June 15, 1861, for a two-year term. The regiment left New York for Washington, D.C., on July 3, 1861, and was initially quartered at Kalorama Heights. On July 28, it moved to Seneca Mills, Maryland, where it was assigned to General Stone’s brigade. The regiment subsequently moved to Edwards Ferry on October 21 and to Poolesville, Maryland, on October 23, where it established Camp McClellan. The regiment remained there until February 24, 1862, when it was ordered to Harper’s Ferry, Virginia.

From October 15, 1861, the 34th New York served in the 2nd Brigade of Stone’s Division, which became Sedgwick’s Division, 2nd Corps, Army of the Potomac, in March 1862. In May 1862, the brigade was designated the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Corps. The regiment spent early March 1862 at Berryville, Virginia, then moved to Washington and was ordered to the Peninsula. It participated in the siege of Yorktown, suffered significant losses at Fair Oaks, and again during the Seven Days’ Battles. The regiment camped at Harrison’s Landing until August 15, then moved to Newport News and subsequently to Acquia Creek and Alexandria. In September 1862, the 34th New York fought in the Maryland Campaign, including the Battle of Antietam, where it sustained heavy casualties. The regiment arrived at Falmouth, Virginia, on November 21, 1862, and participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg. After wintering near Falmouth and participating in the “Mud March,” the regiment remained in camp until the Chancellorsville Campaign in the spring of 1863. The regiment was active at Chancellorsville in May and returned home on June 9, 1863. It was mustered out at Albany on June 30, 1863. Three-year men were transferred to the 82nd New York Infantry on June 8, 1863.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Siege of Yorktown (April–May 1862)
• Battle of Fair Oaks (May 31–June 1, 1862)
• Seven Days’ Battles (June 25–July 1, 1862)
• Maryland Campaign (September 1862)
• Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862)
• Battle of Fredericksburg (December 11–15, 1862)
• “Mud March” (January 1863)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (April–May 1863)

Casualties

The total enrollment of the 34th New York Infantry was 1,016. During its service, 93 members were killed in action or died of wounds, and 69 died from other causes. At Antietam alone, the regiment lost 154 men killed, wounded, or missing, with 41 killed or mortally wounded. At Fair Oaks and during the Seven Days’ Battles, the regiment also suffered significant losses. These figures are based on official reports and regimental histories.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William La Due
• Colonel James A. Suiter
• Colonel Byron Laflin
• Lieutenant Colonel James A. Suiter
• Lieutenant Colonel Byron Laflin
• Lieutenant Colonel John Beverly
• Major Byron Laflin
• Major Charles L. Brown
• Major John Beverly
• Major Wells Sponables

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 34th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides details on the individuals who served in the regiment during its term of service.

To view the complete roster, visit the 34th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 5, 9, 11, 19, 21
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Vol. 2